Carrying Christ Wherever We Go

As summer arrives, many of us find ourselves packing bags, planning vacations, or visiting family. These warm months offer time for us to enjoy a slower change of pace as school and sports schedules relax, and our routines look a little different. Even our holiday busyness takes a vacation as the memory makers of Christmas and Easter give way to picnics and fireworks.

Into this season of travel and trips, the Gospel of Matthew offers us a fitting image: Jesus looks upon the crowds with compassion and then sends his twelve disciples out on mission - telling them to take "no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff" (the opposite of how we prepare for a trip!). They weren't sent because they had everything figured out or because they'd read tons of articles about the places they'd go. They were sent because Jesus called them, trusted them, and invited them to share his love with others.

In a way, summer gives each of us a similar opportunity. Whether we are heading to the beach, the mountains, another state, or simply spending more time in our own neighborhoods, we are "sent out" into new encounters and experiences. We meet people we might not otherwise see during the year. We have opportunities to show kindness, patience, generosity, and joy, and by doing this we help spread God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

We carry our faith with us wherever we go. The disciples didn't leave Jesus behind when they set out on their journeys: they brought his good news with them. And we can do the same by sharing a helping hand to someone struggling with their day, by visiting a friend we know is having a hard time, by holding open the door and being kind to the strangers around us. The prophet Micah names these the actions that God requires of us - doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with God.

May this be a joyful season of rest, renewal, and mission as we follow the example of those first disciples—sent out by Christ and carrying his love wherever they go.

Blessings,

Rev Jill